EC schedules Hithadhoo North by-election for June 6
The announcement follows a ruling by the Supreme Court declaring the seat vacant after Mohamed Sinan lost his parliamentary membership.
The Elections Commission of Maldives has announced that a by-election for the Hithadhoo North constituency will be held on June 6.
The announcement follows a ruling by the Supreme Court declaring the seat vacant after Mohamed Sinan lost his parliamentary membership. Sinan, who represents the People’s National Congress, was disqualified after the court found that he had not settled a debt in line with an earlier court ruling.
Under the Constitution, a by-election must be held within 60 days of a seat becoming vacant, and the opportunity for candidates to contest must be opened within five days.
According to the commission, the application period for candidates will open tomorrow at 10:00 AM and close at 3:00 PM on May 29. Voting will take place on June 6 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Official results are scheduled to be announced on June 8.
Eligibility requirements for candidates include Maldivian citizenship, no foreign citizenship, adherence to Islam, being at least 18 years of age, and being of sound mind.
Individuals are disqualified if they have an outstanding debt not being repaid in accordance with a court judgment, are serving a prison sentence of more than 12 months, or have been convicted of an offence with a sentence exceeding 12 months, unless three years have passed since completion of the sentence or a pardon has been granted.
From the Maldivian Democratic Party, Ahmed Sodiq has expressed interest in contesting the seat. His candidacy has received support from Mohamed Nasheed and Ibrahim Mohamed Solih. Mohamed Aslam has also endorsed him.
Other individuals who have expressed interest include Ahmed Saheed and Mohamed Ali. Both have previously contested parliamentary elections. It has not yet been decided whether they will contest through political parties or as independent candidates.
